Adam Giles, Northern Territory Chief Minister

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Adam Giles, is the first indigenous leader of a state or territory in Australia. Giles talks to Richard Aedy about his political path and his goals for the Northern Territory.

The economy, child protection and alcohol addiction the issues most occupying the mind of the new Northern Territory Chief Minister, Adam Giles.

However, the Country Liberal Party leader has inherited a $5.5 billion debt which has forced the party to scale down its policy agenda.

This week, the NT Government announced the country's toughest new anti alcohol-abuse measures.

Alcoholics falling victim to a three strikes rule will be sent to secure residential facilities in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Nhulunbuy for up to three months, with the possibility in some cases of extension.

When released, offenders are likely to face strict income management, and could be subject to community-agreed permits limiting the amount of alcohol they can buy under a raft of new Alcohol Management Plans being developed in 44 communities.

The NT has the highest alcohol consumption per capita among Australian states and territories.